A great FReeper and close friend passed. Twit, also known as Timothy Wheeler passed on. In tribute, I would like to make this the August thread of Terri Dailies, the topic foremost in Twit thoughts.

Tim was a man of great faith, a faith that grew stronger especially in recent months. As I type this, I still am not yet coherent, as I try to awaken and sip a good coffee brought to me recently by Tim. In his usual fashion, he probably figured I would appreciate a little care package and would appreciate the better quality than the usual fare we would fix.

But I do not want this thread to be maudlin, nor a reminiscing on anecdotes, rather a stab at what Tim would want.

Twit was passionate about the beauty of nature, of good books, good music, and intellectual challenge, but mostly he was passionate about his love for our America, for Jim Robinsons FreeRepublic, and for our fight for those in the plight of Terri Schiavo. For the latter, he sought justice and fervently hoped and prayed we on Terris List would carry on this battle against the evils of those who would control who lived and died.

In our many talks, he would sound like a poster boy for all the stated position of Jim Robinson.

His wife told me last evening the final thoughts he had. As can be expected, it was for us to continue our fight as we have done already. She hoped that rather than flowers or donations sent, that donations be directed at causes like that supporting Terris Legacy, the Terri Schindler Schiavo Foundation. In this way, we remember him and further his wishes. Twit and I talked a lot about faith and I can reassure all, his faith in Our Lord was strong and growing stronger, a comfort to me that he carried it to the end.

My words come out with difficulty this morning, but should flow better later, although without the word play and banter we would sometimes engage, at least for now. Twit would be upset if I quit the puns for long, though.

T'wit was not Irish, but loved this song. He knew it by heart and sung it. I was choked up at the time when he sang it, am worse now...

Oh Danny boy, the pipes, the pipes are callingFrom glen to glen, and down the mountain sideThe summer's gone, and all the flowers are dying'Tis you, 'tis you must go and I must bide.But come ye back when summer's in the meadowOr when the valley's hushed and white with snow'Tis I'll be here in sunshine or in shadowOh Danny boy, oh Danny boy, I love you so.

And if you come, when all the flowers are dyingAnd I am dead, as dead I well may beYou'll come and find the place where I am lyingAnd kneel and say an "Ave" there for me.

And I shall hear, tho' soft you tread above meAnd all my dreams will warm and sweeter beIf you'll not fail to tell me that you love meI'll simply sleep in peace until you come to me.

I know you two were very close and you will miss him dearly. He was a great and gentle man, devoted to God, life, country and family. I am determined more than ever for FR to carry on the battle in his memory.

God rest his soul.

Prayers for his wife and family and for you and all who knew and loved him.

God bless,

Jim

28
posted on 08/05/2007 2:50:46 PM PDT
by Jim Robinson
(Our God-given unalienable rights are not open to debate, negotiation or compromise!)

I will send a donation to the Terri Schindler foundation in honor of T’wit! His death is most upsetting and the Terri threads won’t be the same without him. He will be so sorely missed. Prayers for T’wit and his family and may God adequately comfort them throughout this period of mourning.

30
posted on 08/05/2007 3:40:00 PM PDT
by TAdams8591
( Guiliani is a Democrat in Republican drag. Mitt Romney for president in 2008! : ))

Oh Danny boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling From glen to glen, and down the mountain side The summer's gone, and all the flowers are dying 'Tis you, 'tis you must go and I must bide. But come ye back when summer's on the meadow Or when the valley's hushed and white with snow 'Tis I'll be here in sunshine or in shadow Oh Danny boy, oh Danny boy, I love you so.And if you come, when all the flowers are dying And I am dead, as dead I well may be You'll come and find the place where I am lying And kneel and say an "Ave" there for me.And I shall hear, tho' soft you tread above me And all my dreams will warm and sweeter be If you'll not fail to tell me that you love me I'll simply sleep in peace until you come to me.

Some on FreeRepublic are aware of some of his background. Not many knew he was a highly trained translator of Polish for the Army way back during the Cold War. Subsequently he was Editor at the National Review for his friend William F. Buckley. That was in the days when National Review defined just what a conservative was. Tim's courage of his convictions hewed to a straight line throughout as an entry in Wiki or Webster's defining true conservativism should show his picture.

Tim's brother is better known to the public, Richard S. Wheeler, writer of over fifty western novels and five time winner of the Spur Award for his writing on the American frontier.

Those who dealt with Tim in semantics and grammar soon found out just how skilled he was as an editor and wordsmith. He is the one who wrote the tough crossword puzzles for the National Review.

On these threads, Tim would treat his adversaries with respect and dignity, getting angry or impatient at times, but remaining the gentleman. The tributes of some who locked swords with him are testimony to that point. I am a contrast, striking back in a less civilized manner.

I give thanks to my God in every remembrance of you, Always in all my prayers making supplication for you all, with joy; For your communication in the gospel of Christ from the first day until now.

Being confident of this very thing, that he, who hath begun a good work in you, will perfect it unto the day of Christ Jesus. As it is meet for me to think this for you all, for that I have you in my heart; and that in my bands, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of my joy. -- Philippians 1:3-7

45
posted on 08/06/2007 5:22:06 AM PDT
by wagglebee
("A political party cannot be all things to all people." -- Ronald Reagan, 3/1/75)

For his family, I will never forget him because he truly cared about others and it was obvious that he cared about the sanctity or sacredness of life especially in those that could not speak for themselves. May God bless over you in your sorrow.

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